BENEFITS OF BREAST MILK AND WAYS TO INCREASE MILK PRODUCTION

BENEFITS OF BREAST MILK AND WAYS TO INCREASE MILK PRODUCTION

Breast milk is the most valuable and life-sustaining gift a mother can give to her baby. It is a miracle that contains components that regulate the health journey of babies throughout their entire life.

Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs in ideal amounts, protects them from diseases, and provides countless benefits for their physical, mental, and emotional development.

This unique nourishment, which has countless benefits, is given to each baby by their mother, tailored specifically for them. As the baby grows, the composition of the milk changes to meet the baby's needs at different stages. Experts emphasize that the benefits of this irreplaceable miracle food are countless.

The first milk produced immediately after the baby is born is called "colostrum." Initially secreted in small amounts, the milk gradually increases as the baby feeds. Colostrum is produced within the first 72 hours. This milk is rich in substances that protect the baby from infections and has a yellowish color. To benefit from colostrum at its fullest, the baby should be breastfed as soon as possible, ideally within the first 2 hours after birth.

Breast Milk:
  • A mother’s first milk (colostrum) acts like the baby’s first vaccine.
  • Protects against infections.
  • Strengthens the immune system.
  • Strengthens the bond between mother and baby.
  • Contributes to the baby’s mental and intellectual development.
  • Prevents diarrhea.
  • The taste of breast milk changes over time, helping the baby recognize different flavors.
  • Enhances the effectiveness of vaccines.
  • Prevents constipation.
  • Prevents allergic diseases.
  • Promotes speech development.
  • Beneficial for the baby’s jaw and dental health.
  • Protects against respiratory tract, ear, urinary tract, meningitis, and other infections.
  • Protects against leukemia and lymphoma.
  • Protects against diabetes, high cholesterol, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • Gentle on the digestive system.
  • Babies fed with breast milk are calmer and less stressed.
  • Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
  • Babies fed with breast milk are less likely to develop anemia.

Experts recommend several ways to increase the production of this miraculous natural food:

Ways to Increase Breast Milk Production:
  • Ensure you eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. (You can tell if you are drinking enough by the color of your urine—it should be light.)
  • Try to breastfeed at least 8 times a day, or as often as possible, within 24 hours.
  • Breastfeed both breasts during each session.
  • Massage your breasts during breastfeeding to encourage more milk production.
  • Make sure your breastfeeding positions are correct.
  • Avoid pacifiers and bottles in the first weeks; feed exclusively with breast milk.
  • Pumping milk from your breasts can also help increase milk production.
  • Do not diet to lose weight.
  • Include plenty of dark leafy vegetables in your diet.
  • Frequently consume whole grain carbohydrate products.
  • Focus on foods rich in beta carotene, such as pumpkin, carrots, and melon.
  • Remember that frequent breastfeeding will ensure a good milk supply.

Labels: breast milk, Breast milk benefits, Increasing breast milk, Colostrum, Breastfeeding and immunity
April 22, 2025
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